Veteran Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has gone on trial in Sydney, where he faces multiple allegations of sexual offences involving six men. The 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 22 charges. They include 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. Prosecutors say the alleged incidents happened between 2003 and 2020 at public events, Jones’s workplace and his homes.
On the first day of the judge-only trial, prosecutors outlined the claims made by the six complainants. One of the men, identified only as complainant J, first met Jones as a teenager after taking part in a radio interview about his sporting success. Prosecutors said Jones later bought him a mobile phone and a car and gave him a weekly allowance that eventually increased from AUD 400 (roughly USD 280) to AUD 600 (roughly USD 420).
The court heard that during a drive to Jones’s property at Fitzroy Falls, Jones allegedly touched the teenager’s genitals and later tried to kiss him without his consent. Prosecutors said another unwanted kiss happened on a separate occasion. The complainant told the court he stayed silent because he feared losing the financial support and the lifestyle he had been given. He also said he felt embarrassed and did not want family or friends to know.
Nine of the charges are linked to complainant J, who was 17 when the alleged offences began. Another complainant, known as C, worked as Jones’s driver. Prosecutors allege Jones repeatedly touched his genitals while he was driving and also tried to kiss him, including inside a lift at the radio station. The court also heard claims that Jones sent him explicit messages, making him feel pressured to respond to protect his career.
Jones’s lawyers rejected all the allegations. They argued the case had been influenced by media attention and claimed some accusations were fabricated. The trial is expected to hear evidence from more than 70 witnesses before a judge decides the outcome.
